Robinson firm drops Roethlisberger-endorsed snack food
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A package of Big Ben's Beef Jerky is seen in a store in Zelienople, north of Pittsburgh, today.
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Big Ben's Beef Jerky is no more.
PLB Sports, the Robinson-based producer of sports-branded specialty items, terminated its contract with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger Tuesday, thus ending nearly six years of meat-chewing enjoyment for fans. President Ty Ballou said, "We have taken the product off the website, we have stopped production of the product, and have no plans to reinstate."
The company will also dispose of the packaging for the jerky, along with all remaining inventory.
Mr. Ballou said that PLB was the first company to sign a branding contract with Mr. Roethlisberger, inking a deal with him in his first season with the Steelers. The jerky "had done very well, and was doing well," he said.
The company's second three-year contract with Mr. Roethlisberger was slated to expire at the end of this year.
Founded in 1996, the company carries a number of athlete-branded products, including both clothing and food items endorsed by such personalities as Jerome Bettis and Terrell Owens.
Mr. Ballou said that while product lines have been cancelled in the past due to an athlete's career changes, this is the first time the company has discontinued a product that was still being actively promoted.
First Published April 13, 2010 5:29 pm
